George Simon: Tragedy short changes us of a wonderful career
George Simon • July 14th, 2025 6:30 PM
The reaction of Ace Lawson-Carroll after winning the Waipu Cup aboard Reward Smile at Ruakaka on Saturday said it all.
Just after the finish line, the diminutive apprentice saluted skywards in remembrance of his fellow apprentice and good mate, Ngakau Hailey.
Hailey's sudden passing after a motorbike accident earlier in the week had weighed heavily on his fellow riders including Lawson-Carroll.
"Ngakau and I had become good mates over the last year or so, so to win this race meant a lot to me," said an emotional Lawson-Carroll.
Jockeys wore black armbands in the race as a mark of respect for their late colleague.
It was the heartfelt tribute Lawson-Carroll paid to his mate after the race that I'm sure would have resonated with racing fans everywhere.
"Ngakau had more natural ability as a jockey than I ever had and although we will miss him, he'll always be remembered," said Lawson-Carroll.
Fellow rider Lynsey Satherley also saluted skywards after winning on Prometheus at Cambridge on Thursday, just a day after Hailey's accident.
"I had a fair bit to do with Ngakau particularly with my association with his boss, Te Awamutu trainer Debbie Sweeney," said Satherley.
"He was such a lovely, polite young man who was quickly carving out a very good career for himself," she added.
Hailey was just 18 years old with his life all ahead of him.
And as a racing enthusiast I can't help thinking we were short-changed with his tragic passing.
Tims was one of NZ's most accomplished riders throughout his hugely successful 30-year career in the saddle.
In my opinion, Tims is one of the best jockeys I have seen during my time in racing.
A naturally gifted rider, Tims was also one of the most fearless jockeys of his time.
So, the comparison I made to Tims was meant as a huge compliment to Hailey.
The large crowd who gathered to farewell the young jockey in Hamilton on Monday was further testimony to his character.
May he rest in peace.
Finally, congratulations to Cambridge trainer Chris Wood after Smug won a thrilling Hawkes Bay Steeplechase on Sunday.
Smug was involved in an incident packed race at Trentham a couple of weeks ago when he took the wrong course when in front and was later disqualified.
You may recall I watched that race alongside Wood from Ruakaka racecourse.
You may also recall how I was impressed with how Wood reacted after seeing what happened.
Obviously, there was huge disappointment for Wood and his owners of Smug, but Wood was philosophical about the situation.
So much so, I made a point in this column that I hoped Smug wins its next race.
Well, that happened on Sunday.
Smug had to pull out all stops to beat champion steeplechaser West Coast in a tooth and nail finish.
Ridden on this occasion by Mathew Gillies, Smug narrowly defied West Coast in a stirring edition of the Hawkes Bay Steeplechase.
And it was payback time for his trainer.
